Slidell has named former Northshore coach Dale Chimento as its new boys' basketball coach, replacing Rick Spring.

Chimento, who will teach math at SHS, comes to Slidell after serving as an assistant for the Picayune Maroon Tide in Mississippi. His team fell in overtime of the Mississippi state finals this year, 56-51.

Chimento said he is looking forward to the new opportunity and to seeing some familiar faces. "Slidell High is a good school and is run by some good people," Chimento said. "I've got some friends like (football coach) Artie Liuzza and counselor Phil Culotta."

Chimento added he feels the team can be successful.

"After talking to the kids, we're going to get something done here," he said.

Chimento coached at Northshore for 18 years (1986-88 and 1992-2007). He led the Panthers to the playoffs six times and won three district titles. Chimento ran a more structured offense at NHS as opposed to the fast-paced style the Tigers ran under Spring. Chimento said he felt the set-play offense worked better for the talent he had at Northshore.

He said he will go with the press and run for now at SHS.

Chimento has been coaching 35 years, 27 as a head coach. He has been a head coach at St. Bernard, Jesuit, Archbishop Hannan and Northshore. Chimento has made 11 playoff appearances.

Slidell High released the following statement on Chimento's hire, "We are proud to announce the appointment of Dale Chimento as the head basketball coach at Slidell High. Coach Chimento is highly regarded by the basketball community and by the coaches in the metro area. He has extensive coaching experience and is an excellent teacher on the court and in the classroom. We are confident that Coach Dale Chimento will be an asset to our school and to our athletic program."

Chimento has been married to Cynthia for 35 years. They live in Lacombe and have three children.